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WASHINGTON — U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) today delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor:
Thune’s remarks below (as delivered):
“Mr. President, the Senate will also soon vote on the nomination of former Congressman Doug Collins to be secretary of veterans affairs.
“Caring for the men and women who have served our country is an important obligation, and one that President Trump takes very seriously.
“Veterans are a top priority for the Trump administration, just as they were in his first term.
“To carry out this important mission, President Trump has tapped someone with a servant’s heart.
“The son of a Georgia state trooper, Doug Collins just couldn’t shake the feeling that he had a duty to serve.
“After college, he served in the United States Navy.
“Still feeling called to ministry, he went to seminary, and began pastoring a church.
“But after the attacks of September 11, he knew his country needed him again.
“He joined the Air Force Reserve in 2002, and is still proudly serving our country as a colonel and chaplain.
“In 2005, Mr. Collins began law school.
“And within a few months of graduation, his unit was called up to go to Iraq.
“As a flight-line chaplain at one of the largest U.S. bases in Iraq, Doug Collins met and prayed with troops who were on the front lines of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
“He spent time in the hospital visiting injured service members, praying with them, and giving them companionship in their recovery.
“Turning to public service, Mr. Collins brought that same servant’s heart to Atlanta and Washington representing his native north Georgia.
“So, when President Trump asked him to serve as VA secretary, it’s no surprise that he once again answered the call to serve.
“Mr. President, there was a moment in Mr. Collins’ confirmation hearing that struck me.
“He said, and I quote, ‘The VA does not exist in and of itself. It exists for the veteran.’
“Doug Collins has comforted wounded soldiers.
“He’s taken calls from service members contemplating suicide.
“He understands what it means to serve the veteran.
“I look forward to confirming him in this role and working with him to uphold our nation’s commitment to those who have served.”